Dear Neighbors, Yesterday, Governor Walz and legislative leaders announced a compromise agreement on our state budget, setting the framework our conference committees will work with to know how much to invest or reduce in funding for their respective budget areas. I do not support this agreement, as it removes state-funded health insurance for adult undocumented Minnesotans, threatening access to essential medical care for thousands. The decision to include this provision is devastating. Healthcare is a human right, with no exceptions. That’s why I stood with my colleagues of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus in opposition to this provision. The provision doesn’t make Minnesota healthier, safer, or more prosperous. It only makes life harder for people, and I will never vote for a bill that takes healthcare away from anyone. I will always fight for a Minnesota where everyone can access the care they need. I will defend the historic legislation our communities have fought tirelessly to achieve. I refuse to remain silent while Republicans try to sow chaos, division, and target historically under-served communities and treat them as if they are disposable. I will continue to fight every day to ensure our communities' voices and experiences are not only heard but truly reflected in legislative decisions, as I work to help shape a balanced budget that leaves no one behind. You can watch our POCI Caucus press conference here.  An Update on UI for Hourly Schoolworkers Some good news about the agreement. The Education budget agreement preserves unemployment benefits for our paraprofessionals, bus drivers, nutrition staff, and clerical employees. These essential hourly school workers—who maintain our educational system throughout the academic year—are among our lowest-paid. Until 2023, they were the only hourly workers employed more than four months annually who couldn't access unemployment benefits. Their stability directly impacts our students' success, as evidenced by Minnesota's graduation rates now reaching historic highs. When we consider that construction workers and landscapers, who also experience predictable seasonal layoffs, have long received unemployment support between projects, we must ask ourselves: why should these workers rightfully receive benefits during off-seasons, while a school bus driver or cafeteria worker is denied the same safety net during summer months? This fundamental inequity was finally addressed in 2023, and I’m happy we saved these protections. Lake Street Lift Grant Initiative Lake Street Lift is an initiative committed to the connection of local businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and creatives living and working on Lake Street, creating partnerships for a vibrant, diverse, and loved Lake Street. In 2023, the state appropriated $8 million to Minneapolis to support the economic health and vitality of Lake Street, and the Lake Street Lift grants will be administered through June 30th, 2025, along East Lake Street from Nicollet to 30th Ave S. This funding will be used to create a more vibrant, safe, and growing Lake Street, celebrating the diverse communities that call this place home. If you are an artist, community group, or event host seeking sponsorship or project-based support, learn more and connect. If you run a business or non-profit within the geographic boundary, Lake Street Lift can connect you with Business advising or Real Estate consulting support. For more information, click here. Holding Big Tech AccountableThe evidence is clear that social media is linked with poor mental health outcomes, particularly among children. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General called for social media platforms to have warning labels. As part of our Health, Children, and Families bill, we're making it happen. Unlike the Trump Administration, which caves to corporate interests, DFLers are standing up to big tech to keep our children safe online. We’re also pushing to make Minnesota the first state in the nation to impose a tax on large social media companies that collect data from our residents. This legislation would tax billionaire corporations, not Minnesotans, and estimates suggest it could generate approximately $138 million over the next two years, funding essential public services without burdening individual taxpayers. This is a bold step toward ensuring that Big Tech pays its fair share for profiting off Minnesotans' personal information. Join the Young Women’s Cabinet!The Young Women’s Cabinet is appointed by the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor and brings together young women and youth leaders (ages 16–24) from eight communities across Minnesota to help shape state policy through the lens of lived experience. These remarkable leaders ensure the work of the Young Women’s Initiative addresses real challenges and creates real solutions. In partnership with YWCA St. Paul, Cabinet members receive leadership training, develop their own annual policy agenda, host community conversations, and direct over $3 million in equity-focused grants to nonprofits and individuals. Their work centers the impact of gender and racial justice across Minnesota. If you know someone ready to lead and make change, apply by June 13 to join the next cohort of the Young Women’s Cabinet. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page. In community, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Minnesota House of Representatives |